His cheeky Cockney image and boy-next-door looks proved to be popular with fans and helped to catapult him to fame.

He first started to play guitar and banjo during a dockers’ strike in the 1950s.

While singing with a skiffle band he was discovered by music guru Larry Parnes, who believed Tommy could be Britain’s answer to Elvis Presley. He soon shot to fame with his band The Steelmen.

With the explosion of rock music in the 1960s, Tommy, now 70, started to concentrate on stage productions and film musicals, leaving behind his pop idol identity. His film career even saw him appear alongside Fred Astaire.

He has been a stalwart of UK musical theatre for the last 40 years and lives with wife of 47 years, Ann, with whom he has a daughter, Emma.

He will be appearing at the Sunderland Empire in Dr Dolittle from November 19 to December 1. Tickets costing from £13.50 to £30.50 can be bought by calling at the box office, ringing the booking line on 0870-602 1130 or visiting www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

IS it true you were once in the navy?

Yes, I was a cabin boy in the merchant navy from leaving school and was in my first shipwreck aged 15 in the Atlantic in the middle of January.

The ship I was on bumped into another ship amid all these icebergs and, unfortunately, two people were killed from the other ship.

We put boats into the water to try and rescue them but it was too late. We had to return to Quebec to have the bend in our bow fixed. But I loved going to sea. It’s being part of a motley crew. It’s great camaraderie.

IS it true you have a genetic heart condition?

No, this was a ridiculous story put round by a newspaper called the Sunday Pictorial, which doesn’t exist any more. In 1956, I was called up for National Service. I went to have a medical examination and, because I’d spent five years in the navy, I was told I was exempt. The reason I didn’t go in the Army was because I’d already had five years as a merchant seaman, not because of any medical problem.

I HEAR you are a keen sculptor?

Yes, I like to paint and sculpt. When I’m in a long show, say at the London Palladium, I would take my easel in and paint. I like to do figures . . . very Lowry-ish. I have several sculptures in public places . . . Eleanor Rigby is a bronze statue I did in 1982, designed to offer a place for the people of Liverpool to sit on the bench in company with Eleanor Rigby.

YOU have described Dr Dolittle as the best family show you’ve ever done. Why is that?

Well, the character of Dr Dolittle for a start is fantastic. He’s off the wall, he’s crazy but, in his craziness, he makes things happen.

The whole evening starts with his fantasy of talking to animals and what’s wonderful is the audience go with it and there are great special effects . . . shipwrecks, jungles, unicorns and of course the beautiful “push-me-pull- you”.

There aren’t any real animals though. You’re not allowed . . . you can’t even have a dog in Oliver now.

WHO is the most famous person you have worked with?

I tap danced with Gene Kelly on Broadway in the musical, New York, New York, and then three months later with Fred Astaire in the film Finian’s Rainbow.

IF you hadn’t have been a performer what would you have done?

I would have stayed in the navy. I loved it. It’s the greatest life for a young man.

WHEN you’re not working, how do you relax?

Apart from my sculpture and painting, I like to play tennis.

HAVE you ever thought of retiring?

You don’t retire in this game, you just get forgotten! So I guess I won’t retire until someone says “Who?”.

WHAT advice would you give to someone wanting to embark on a career in showbusiness?

Don’t give up the dream.

WHAT’S your proudest achievement?

Receiving the OBE from the Queen in 1976. She just said: “This is from us.” It was lovely.